W220 S430 for 5k, no bids, 3 hours left

[big x]

I do think there is some evidence though that some of the cost cutting and savings on quality that Mercedes has been guilty of in the lower end models has not happened, or not to the same extent, in the s-class, not in the least because there is more money spent on them and they are after all flagship models.

This is an interesting question. Ask the man in the street if an S-class is better made than a C-class half the price and they will probably say yes.
A number of basic components are shared but are the unique electronics made to a higher standard in the S ? I doubt it.
Is the paint better ? Well they go down the same paint line. Maybe the inspection process is tighter.
Are the panel gaps narrower or just adjusted to a finer tolerance?
Are the leather hides a better grade ?
I would guess yes to the fit and finish questions but no in the electrical components and wiring.

adam

 

[janner]

Would I want the innards, or comfort of a 124, or would I choose the comforts of a 211?

For W211 money I'd have a Lexus LS430

 

[big x]

I had a look through the invoices that came with my 1999 523i Touring with 134k and most of the past failures have been electronic.

3 x ABS sensors

Bosch ABS control module.The electronic component mounted on the hydraulic unit.

VDO Throttle control motor

Rear wiper motor replaced

Electric cooling thermostat replaced twice.The earlier E39 mechanical type last twice as long.

Wiring to the tailgate chaffed through.

In my time with the car the front mounted aircon fan has burnt out.

The fault code reader indicates the heaters in the Lambda probes are KO although still operating OK.

I also replaced the rear subframe mounting bushes.These are trick hydraulic types that don't last as long as conventional all rubber types.

Reading through the BMW forums these faults are widespread although a long was behind electrically faults on certain Renaults.

The general rule of thumb is the later the BMW model the greater the problems will be. i-drive is problematic on the 7 series despite constant software updates.Ignition coils have started failing on current petrol engines and the electric intake manifold flaps on diesels fail and destroy the four cylinder diesel engines.

I find it hard to believe there are many takers for Mbmaninken's assertion that electronics are becoming more reliable !


adam

 

[MBManInKen]

I find it hard to believe there are many takers for Mbmaninken's assertion that electronics are becoming more reliable !

I thought you were making some excellent points and I intended to continue to debate some of them, but in light of the changing tone, I will now bow out without further contributions.

 

[mr. shr]

Apart from the xenons, it's the very basic spec. No parktronic, rear blind, linguatronic, comfort seats etc.

Irrelevant now, but I believe it does have linguatronic as you can see the button on the steering wheel.

 

[MBManInKen]

Irrelevant now, but I believe it does have linguatronic as you can see the button on the steering wheel.

That button position is to browse backwards through the systems, although the symbol looks like a linguatronic one. I would expect a 220 chassis to have a linguatronic lever at the right side of the steering wheel, as on my car:

I am pretty sure that linguatronic was not available on the very first cars when the 220 chassis was launched, although I can't say when exactly it became available.

I know this doesn't really resolve the matter with certainty...

 

[glojo]

I find it hard to believe there are many takers for Mbmaninken's assertion that electronics are becoming more reliable !


adam

I'm a taker and of course electronics are getting more reliable,
Just like the cars mechanical bits are also getting more reliable. Just look at service intervals. Yes cars break down and yes there is that "They don't build them like they used to", but when we take off our rose tinted glasses we think back to distributors and points wearing out. The timing always needing adjustment. The more elderly of us can remember the dreaded pinking that encouraged us to readjust the timing or get the vehicle serviced.

Electronics nowadays are excellent, but there are so many or so much crammed into our cars. Look at a car radio... how often does one go wrong? I'm trying to think of any electrical gadget that has failed on our car and I am failing miserably. Yes something has caused an electrical discharge and needed replacing, but none of the toys, be it vibrating seat, memory for the mirrors, electrics that engage the passenger mirror to lower when engaging reverse, none have failed and fingers crossed I am not putting the kiss of death on the electronics.

Forget the car, just think how televisions or video recorders have improved. If I waited for my television to break-down before replacing it, then I would still be watching a 15 year old Sony, whereas prior to that TV, I was on first name terms with the TV repair man.

Regards
John

 

[mr. shr]

That button position is to browse backwards through the systems, although the symbol looks like a linguatronic one. I would expect a 220 chassis to have a linguatronic lever at the right side of the steering wheel, as on my car:


I am pretty sure that linguatronic was not available on the very first cars when the 220 chassis was launched, although I can't say when exactly it became available.

I know this doesn't really resolve the matter with certainty...

I believe both styles (i.e. lever on colomn or button on wheel) exist on the W220. I don't have linguatronic on mine but my user manual suggests there would be a lever on the column if it did have it. (As you say)

However, my WIS says the liguatonic rettrofit would use the 'down' button on the steering wheel.
Also, I spoke to Braybooks about them doing the retrofit and they also said that if I had lingua fitted it would use that button on the wheel and no lever would be fitted on the steering colomn. They also said that it is possible to have that button changed to one with the microphone logo (if I wanted).

 

[MBManInKen]

They also said that it is possible to have that button changed to one with the microphone logo (if I wanted).

Thanks for that - I always enjoy adding to my facts database of the W/V220 .

 

[mr. shr]

Thanks for that - I always enjoy adding to my facts database of the W/V220 .

Pleasure.

So is it a W220 or V220?
I always thought it was W.

 

[robert.saunders]

Limo = V220

 

[mr. shr]

Limo = V220

So SWB = W220, right?

 

[robert.saunders]

So SWB = W220, right?

I think so. But then I drive a Mondeo

 

[mr. shr]

I think so. But then I drive a Mondeo

Never mind, I'm sure you have a nice personality!!

 

[robert.saunders]

Never mind, I'm sure you have a nice personality!!

Oh yes, very much so

 

[MBManInKen]

So SWB = W220, right?

Yes, young Robert is right. The standard version is a W220 chassis, the LWB (limousine) is known as a V220.

And it's about time Mr Saunders gets a Merc again .

 

[robert.saunders]

I'll go for a V220 but probably end up with this

 

[MBManInKen]

I'll go for a V220 but probably end up with this

 

[mr. shr]

I'll go for a V220 but probably end up with this

Can I advise you get a car kit for your phone?



(As oppose to a phone kit for your car!!!)

 

[MBManInKen]

Can I advise you get a car kit for your phone?

I like that idea . I think a CLS would look nice with that phone, Rob.